A Word From Wayde - Wayde Chiesa MP, Member For Hinchinbrook

In May Wayde Chiesa MP met with Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, in Townsville to reaffirm the commitment towards the Bruce Highway. Photo source: Facebook  

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Building the Infrastructure Our Region Deserves

As the State Budget is handed down this week, one thing is clear: regional Queensland needs practical investment in the infrastructure that keeps our communities connected, safe and moving.

For communities across Hinchinbrook, roads are not just lines on a map. They are how families get to school, work and medical appointments. They are how freight moves, how farmers get product to market, how tourists visit our region and how emergency services respond when they are needed most.

For too long, North Queenslanders have felt they have been waiting in line for infrastructure investment, particularly when it comes to the Bruce Highway. This road is the backbone of our region, but many locals know firsthand the frustration of poor road conditions, safety concerns and closures during severe weather.

That is why continued investment in the Bruce Highway is so important. Through the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, we are now seeing projects progress across regional Queensland, including sections between Townsville and Ingham, Ingham and Innisfail and Innisfail and Cairns. These works are about improving safety, strengthening flood resilience, and supporting the long-term growth of our region.

Importantly, we must continue pushing for upgrades that matter locally. I have continued to advocate strongly for Gairloch and Seymour crossings, which are critical pieces of infrastructure for our community. Improving reliability, safety and flood resilience on these sections remains a key priority, and I will continue working with the Minister and department to ensure we get the right outcome.

We cannot fix years of underinvestment overnight, but we can get started. My focus is on seeing projects move from discussion and planning into delivery.

Alongside infrastructure, cost-of-living relief also matters for regional families. The recent fall in regional electricity prices is welcome news and another important step in easing pressure on households and small businesses.

Our region deserves infrastructure that matches its contribution to Queensland’s economy. I will keep fighting for better roads, safer crossings, stronger communities, and the investment Hinchinbrook needs to grow. I look forward to updating our community on the budget announcements that matter for Hinchinbrook.

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